Table tennis paddle

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of a novel paddle for use in racquet sports, and particularly table tennis, is disclosed. The paddle features a handle which is designed to comfortably conform to the players grip, while both enhancing total backhand play and allowing for ease of rotation to forehand play at any time on either side of the body; Thus, a paddle which eliminates ever being caught out of position. The alignment for the attachment of the handle to the blade is what is specifically unique.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A paddle for use in racquet sports, particularly table tennis, comprising:
 A substantially flat blade;   A handle, whose centerline plane lies in a distinctively different, but intersecting plane, not to exceed 45 degrees to the plane of the blade;   The upper, or top surface of the curved handle contained within this plane extends outward and downward from the terminal end attachment line at the forward end of the handle;   The handle has two curvatures along the underside, inner gripping surface separated by an extension of said surface;   The plane of attachment of the handle to the blade lies between the lines of intersection of the two parallel sides of the handle with the blade; and the angle of cut, between the two sides of the handle is between 10 degrees and 45 degrees;   The plane containing the flat surface of the blade, and the plane containing the flat side surface of the handle are two intersecting vertical planes, so that the forward leading edge of the side of the handle is perpendicular to the floor when held in the hand with the forearm level or parallel to the floor. The lines of intersection of the plane intersecting the two sides of the handle are also vertical and thus perpendicular to the level forearm and to the floor;   The playing surface of the blade extends only forward from the terminal end attachment of the handle, thus allowing for the same surface area on both sides of the blade;   
     
     
         2 . The paddle according to  claim 1  wherein the handle and blade are plastic molded in one piece, or wherein either of the handle and blade is formed of structural foam, plastic or wood; 
     
     
         3 . The paddle according to  claim 1  where both a right and left hand handle is combined, cut from a single piece of wood, and attached along one edge of the blade. Or, a paddle according to  claim 1  where the finger separation extension is removable and can be reattached to the other side of handle, thus converting the handle from a right hand model to a left hand model.